Helping Students Develop a Deep Sense of Belonging

Ms. Alana Murray and Ms. Sofia Daly are the fantastic counseling team at O.A. Thorp Scholastic Academy. A parent who was new to Thorp recently highlighted how they helped their student feel welcome through their kindness, warmth, and support. Not only did this help the student become part of the Thorp community, but it also provided reassurance to the entire family. 

Both Ms. Murray and Ms. Daly have developed many impactful ways to help their students excel at Thorp. We caught up with them to learn more. Read their thoughts below.

What qualities help make you effective counselors? 

Our connections with our students. We are passionate advocates for them, and that starts with building rapport with them. We give them warm, positive, friendly, unconditional support. Empathy is also very important. This helps them know that there are adults in the building who are there for them when they need help. 

What strategies do you use to build relationships with students? 

Visibility is really important. We prioritize being present at school at school events and in the hallways. We let our students know who we are and what we do. The more the students get to know us, the more comfortable they feel coming to us when they need support. We also reach out on a routine basis to our families to make sure that they know how we can help their children. 

What are some goals you have for this school year in particular? 

Expanding our relationships throughout the building. While the volume of students we work with can be challenging in terms of their needs, it’s our responsibility to make sure we leave an imprint on as many students as possible. We want them to remember that they are valued, that they are always enough, and that they have so many people rooting for their success. 

What do you want your students to remember as they continue throughout their academic journeys? 

We care about them. They are wonderful. They are loved. They will always have us in their corner. On top of those positive messages, it’s important for them to realize that they matter so much, not only to our school community, but to the world. They all have something wonderful to offer, and it is so special to be a part of helping them find their niche and be successful.